This book demonstrates how counselors can help people to use the resources they already have so they can address issues that come up in life. The authors show that most people have within themselves the strengths and resources to confront the issues positively that trouble their lives. The counseling method elicits resiliency, assets, and successful experiences from the client's past to foster positive change in the present. Case studies are included, drawn especially from marriage and family counseling.
Praise for the Print Edition
Thomas and Cockburn have given counseling pastors and pastoral psychotherapists a valuable research-based systems-oriented, growth-enabling model that will help them think outside the boxes of traditional insight-oriented, pathology-based approaches to pastoral counseling and ministry. Their model focuses on short-term methods of activating people's strengths and potential resources for changing their perception of problems and taking charge of their lives.
—Howard Clinebell, Emeritus Professor, Claremont School of Theology
The work that Thomas and Cockburn are suggesting in this book is cutting edge. What they are writing about, ministers will be talking about five to ten years from now. This manuscript is very creative. I am very much in favor of the Thomas/Cockburn proposal.
—Howard W. Stone, Brite Divinity School, Texas Christian University
- Title: Competency-Based Counseling: Building on Client Strengths
- Authors: Jack Cockburn and Frank Thomas
- Publisher: Fortress Press
- Publication Date: 1998
- Pages: 160
About the Authors
Jack Cockburn is a licensed professional counselor in the psychology department at PRIDE, Dallas Texas. He is the author of several research articles in the area of family therapy.
Frank Thomas is Associate Professor, Family Therapy Program, Texas Woman's University and a clinical supervisor at Brite Divinity School, Texas Christian University. He is a licensed marriage and family therapist and has written extensively in brief and family therapy.